Karim's, Noida

Karim's at Delhi is undoubtedly one of the more famous eateries in Delhi and for that matter, the rest of India. My friends, and cousins in the capital now often look down on the place and claim, rightfully I am sure that there are other far better places. But then, Karim's is the stuff of legend, and for us Non - Delhi-ites, if we are in the capital and there is a choice of choosing the restaurant to have Mughlai food in, it is usually Karim's that is the number one choice.

Part of the reason for the allure of Karim's is its fame and longevity, the original one beside the Jama Masjid has been around since 1913. They also claim to have an interesting story line with the ancestors of Haji Karimuddin (who established the place in 1913) apparently having cooked and served food in the kitchens of Babur himself.

This makes for great narrative and provides an added flavour to the delightful food that is served in front of you. Karim's is famed for its Biriyani, which although tasty is a topic for much controversy and each foodie in India has their own favourite version. Mine, is Shiraz, Kolkata but then that is a never ending conversation. My favorite meal at Karim's and the one that I had when last at Karim's Noida is Mutton Barra Kebab, Kali Dal and Rumali Roti.

The decor in Karim's Noida is reasonably up market, there was actually a painting by MF Hussain to welcome us and it has none of the rustic feel that you experience at the Jama Masjid branch. The service however was the same as what you get at the original joint.

Thankfully the food was outstanding as it always is. The Mutton Barra kebab is basically the most basic of mutton kebab offerings but is in my mind one of the tastiest of mutton Kebabs, it is not as fine as a Galouti or Kakori and is less on the marination. The meat is more chunky and can be bit into. While the other kebabs are definitely finer, even more tasty, the Barra Kebab is texturally the heartiest and most satisfying for a non vegetarian lover still having decently Ok teeth. The taste is needless to say fantastic.

The kali daal at Karims while not particularly outstanding in isolation, is perhaps made for being the perfect accompaniment to the mutton. Light almost to the point of being bland, the kali daal with the mutton barra and the soft rumali roti, transports the customer to cullinary heaven. The Karim's at Noida does take away the ambience but does deliver on the food!

A meal for two at Karims will cost you approximately Rs 400/- without drinks.

How to get there: Karim's is at Sector 18 in Noida, in the main market. It is impossible to miss.

Pind Baluchi, Nehru Place, Delhi

I love chicken! I mean I just love the bird! The bird lovers and animal rights activists might hate me for saying so but I believe that the bird was just created so that the homo sapien could breed it, eat it and drool over the many wondrous preparations that emerge out of it. I have eaten more than my fair share of chickens and the two preparations of the bird that I absolutely adore are the Fried Chicken, and the Tandoori Chicken. Not just any fried or tandoori chickens however, but specific ones. If you want to have Fried Chicken, it has to be at KFC, thanks to the Colonel, the standardization is great and chances are that you will have one very near wherever you are. If you want to have Tandoori Chicken, it has to be in Delhi, either at Karims or at Pind Baluchi.

Pind Baluchi has an iffy entrance to say the least. It is right in the middle of a bazaar and is located on the first floor of the market, unless one has been there before one is really not sure if the winding staircases are leading into a high quality restaurant or to a shop for electronics repairs. The interior however is a lot better. They have modeled the interior on the village or the “pind”, there are makeshift trees and décor on the walls trying to impart a village atmosphere and doing a reasonably successful job. The seating is comfortable and the waiters are prompt as is the pace at which the food is delivered on the table.

Apart from the obvious Tandoori chicken, we ordered the other specialty of the North, the butter chicken. Combined with the butter naan, it made for a great meal, albeit slightly high on the cholesterol count. But when in Delhi, especially in winter, cholesterol count should not be on your priority list. The tandoori chicken was all a great tandoori should be, just the right amount of masala, soft, yet not at all undercooked, carrying the flavour of the tandoor yet not with a single unwanted char of carbon. Totally delightful and somehow a version that at least Mumbai and Kolkata have been completely unable to replicate or reproduce. Down right awesome!

A meal for two at Pind Baluchi without drinks will cost you approximately Rs 500/-.

How to get there: Pind Baluchi is located on the first floor of the main market at Nehru Place. You have to ask around a bit, but the Tandoori Chicken will make it all completely worth your while.